Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Sledding Fun

We are trying to fit in as much fun as possible over the holidays!  We hit the sledding hill with our cousins on Friday.  We had the snowmobile to haul the sledders back up to the top of the hill...nice!!  Pictured below is Cami, AJ, Kevin, Keyera, Maddie, Lane, and Kort with Andy behind.
Ready, set,  go......
AJ was flying down that snow hill!
Next came Maddie...screaming!
Lane kind of got "white washed" on the way down with Andy.  Andy tried to slow down and sprayed snow all up in Lane's face.  It was sad...but he recovered!
The next day, Saturday, we went up Manti canyon with our friends the Monroes.  We found a fun little snow hill.  Lane started out easy this time by watching from the top.  
This is James Monroe (Karen Barton's boy) and Maddie heading down...
Lane decided to give it another try.  This time Andy was more careful!
No snowmobile this time...move it kids!! James, AJ, and Maddie climbing the slope.
"Dog pile on Maddie"...just for a picture, not to ride down that way! yikes!
After two full days of sledding fun, the kids were exhausted!  This was Maddie on the ride down the mountain.  I love when kids are worn out from too much fun!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Christmas Day 2008

Christmas morning started off with the kids waking up 6:20AM!  They came into our room to wait for Grandma and Grandpa to arrive.  Here they are waiting patiently...
Once Grandpa and Grandma arrived the kids were set loose - here they are running into the family room to see what Santa had left for them.
Alex got a punching bag, a scooter, R/C car, books, heelies, and art supplies.
Maddie was thrilled to find an American Doll with lots of accessories, some text messagers, a doorbell for bedroom, books, and clothes.
Lane found a red barn full of animals, tractors, a large wooden ball track, books, and puzzles.
Grandpa was in on the opening action...
Grandma and Lane enjoyed reading a new book together
After opening Santa gifts, we went over to Grandma Sandra's to open more...
Lane and Kaylex playing tractors together...
Colette, Billie, and I gave our husbands gift certificates to take a Snow Kiting lesson.  Snow kiting is snow boarding with some kind of a parachute.  They teach these lessons up in Fairview Canyon.  The guys are pretty excited to take on this adventure together.
After Grandma Sandra's we returned to Manti to open presents from Grandma Barb and Grandpa John at their house.  The fun never ends on Christmas!  Madison got a wardrobe for her doll clothes.
Check out these Red Sox Jerseys Andy and I received.
Alex got a doctor's kit and doctor's coat.  Grandpa was the sick patient.
Each of the kids also got soft and cozy Red Sox blankets from Grandpa and Grandma.  Christmas day ended by cuddling on the couch watching Christmas movies. 
Check out Alex in his Power Ranger helmet...
Madison with her doll...
Christmas was over.  Now they have all the time in the world to just relax and play over the remainder of the Holiday.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve started off at Grandma Sandra's.  She gave each kid (and adult!) soft, comfy Christmas pajamas!  My kids look forward to this tradition each year. 
Kevin and AJ were so happy to get "twinner" pajamas.  You can't really see the jammies too well, but they have little pirate skulls with Santa hats on them.  The tops say, "Wasn't me!" They  were very pleased.  These two boys are best buddies!
Lane was just happy to be there...
After opening jammies at Sandra's we went to a larger party with Andy's side of the family.  It was held at the local Bowling Alley (Andy's aunt and uncle own the bowling alley).  Santa made an appearance to give each child a present.  Here the kids are waiting patiently for him to call their name. 
Madison got her turn...
Then AJ smiled at Santa with marvel...
Lane was watching each child sit on Santa's lap.  He was processing each child's reaction.
He made the right choice and decided to give Santa's lap a try!  He was waving at everyone - very cute!  
We finished up the party by bowling.  I didn't take any pictures because I was busy trying to keep Lane from dropping a bowling ball on his foot!  We then hurried home to put cookies and milk out for Santa (and apples for the reindeer).  The kids got in their new jammies, we read some Christmas stories, and then they were off to bed!  Sweet dreams!

Christmas Party (Eliason side)

Each year we get together with my Dad's side of the family for a fun and festive Christmas party.  We meet at a reserved restaurant up in Provo.  The evening includes good food, a high end talent show, Christmas caroling, and even a visit from Santa.  It is always a lot fun...lots of laughs and good memories.  Below you will see Hank, Isabelle, and Lucy kicking off the talent show with some traditional Christmas favorites.  The Santa hats and jingle bells really pulled their performance together!  They were awesome!

Next on the talent program was AJ.  He showed off some "killer" karate moves!
Adding to the Christmas spirit, Madison then played "Deck the Halls"  on the piano.
The Grand Finale of the talent show was a lip sync by Karl and Joanne.  They brought the house down!
We sang Christmas Carols waiting for Santa to arrive.  Randy led us in a crazy rendition of "Twelve days of Christmas."  Gabe, Chole, Lucy, and Maddie kept the song moving..."and a Partridge in a Pear Treeeeeeee"
Tucker family!
Lane, Grandma, AJ, and Grandpa.  Enjoying presents from Santa
Jeff, Shellie, Isabell, Kate, and Curt
Karl and Joanne with their kids - Shellie, Jackie, Larry, and Phil
A great time was had by all!  

Monday, December 22, 2008

FROSTY!

Finally!  The kids were able to build Frosty!  They created him all by themselves- 
Welcome Winter!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Girl's Night Out!

We are trying to make it a tradition - "Girl's night out at the Nutcracker Ballet."  Maddie, my mom, and myself look forward to this outing each Christmas.  The older Maddie gets, the more she enjoys it....the costumes, the atmosphere, the musical instruments down in the orchestra pit, and of course the dancers.  Her favorite part was Madam Ginger with all the little girls that came out from under her large hoop dress.  Maddie asked me to take some pictures of the performance so she could remember it, but I wasn't allowed to do that - darn it.  It was a special evening. 
Maddie has started a little nutcracker collection.  This is her newest addition.  
Also, my mom just arrived back in Utah from visiting my sister in Vermont.  She met us on her way home for this event.  She had been traveling since 4:00 in the morning but she wasn't about to miss "Girl's Night Out!"  Thanks mom - It wouldn't have been the same without you!!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

All About Maddie!

The last 3 days have been "All About Maddie!"  This time of year kids get to "shine" as they perform, sing, dance, etc.  Maddie has been busy sharing her talents....
Thursday evening was the Elementary School Christmas Program.  She sang with her third grade class.  
The boy pictured below is named Trevor.  Him and Maddie kind of have an ongoing "crush" on each other.  They happen to be the two shortest kids in the third grade...so, they had to stand by each other.  I was trying to get a picture of Maddie and he just kept looking at me and smiling.  It is a very cute picture of both of them.
This is Kort (our cousin), Lane and AJ watching the singing.  They got a little tired :)
We always have to have our picture taken with the school Principal.  She is pretty special!
The next event was her Piano recital on Friday.  She played "Comin' Around the Mountain" and "Deck the Halls."  I think she was most nervous for this recital.  She said her legs were shaking really bad.  It takes a lot of courage to get up there on the stage and play.  She did awesome!
Grandma Sandra is always good to support the grand kids in their activities.  
Last, Saturday night was Maddie's dance review.  She is taking ballet.  During the dress rehearsal I took some pictures - she loves to dress up in the costumes, put on make-up, and pose of the camera...   here she is leaping!

This is Maddie and her cousin Keyera.  They are best buds!  


Grandpa John was there to watch Maddie.  He has never had so much fun!  
As you can see, Maddie has had a very busy week.  Now we can stop and enjoy the Holidays.  Yipee!